James Morrison was one of the big movers early on the second day of the Africa Open, but the Englishman still trailed joint overnight leader Trevor Fisher Junior by three strokes in East London.

Fisher, one of five players to share top spot after an opening round of seven under par 66, took the outright lead at 14 under thanks to a flying start to his day with an eagle and birdie on his first two holes.

The 30 year old from Johannesburg then picked up five further shots along with a bogey on the par four ninth to move to seven under for his round with six holes to play.

Morrison, who began the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event with a five under 68, was in second place on 11 under after moving to six under par for his round thanks to a bogey free first 15 holes.

Two other men were on the same score - South African Thomas Aiken and another of the co-overnight leaders Patrik Sjoland after 11 and 12 holes respectively - while Charl Schwartzel, the highest ranked player in the field at 66, also kept the pressure up a further stoke back on four under for the day with six to play.

Five players were on eight under par, including Britons Justin Walters and Sion Bebb as well as Dane Mark Haastrup - another one of the five players that ended the opening day in pole position.

Of the other overnight leaders, Titch Moore found it difficult to pick up shots at the East London Golf Club and remained on seven under, level par through 12, while Richard Sterne has an afternoon tee-off.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, a runner-up in the competition last year, was four under after the first round and moved to three under after 13 holes today - a tournament total of seven under.